New Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) first metro line i.e Red line, from Shahdara to Tis Hazari is all set for the makeover. It has decided to renovate all the 21 stations on the line between Rithala and Dilshad Garden. The newly opened section between Dilshad Garden and Shaheed Sthal will not take part in the renovation.
The renovation work will begin with Dilshad garden, Jhilmil and Mansarovar stations. by March 2020, The restoration and the retrofitting are expected to be complete. The rest of 18 stations would be taken up in the phases. The work would take time because only a few hours would be available for carrying out the renovation in an operational corridor.
According to the sources, DMRC will start the process by rectifying the water seepage problem on the tracks by replacing expansion joints and removing cable troughs, etc. The exterior of the stations will be renovated by applying a new color theme. The interiors will be repaired and the ground floor of the stations will be replaced with granite flooring, and platforms will be given chemical polishing.
It will carry out large-scale development work outside the station including maintenance, beautification of the parking area, footpath, etc. As per the latest specifications, new signage will be installed. The conventional lighting will be replaced by LEDs.
“The maintenance of the Red Line poses more challenges than the other lines as many stations here are at ground level, which results in more dust coming inside. Many are near low lying areas, which result in sewage and rainwater entering stations,” said DMRC official.
“World over, newer metro corridors are always found to be aesthetically better and technologically state-of-art, such as in London, Berlin, etc. DMRC, however, has taken a decision to rejuvenate our first line,” a senior official added.
